"Imagine": An anthem for peace and solidarity, 1971-2018

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the cultural phenomenon of "Imagine" by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. It aims to start unraveling why and how the song “Imagine” has acquired and maintained its cultural status as anthem for peace and solidarity in times of (mass reported) conflict and in the face of humanitarian crises between 1971 and 2018. It focusses on the production, promotion, and authorized reutilizations of “Imagine”. Especially the influence of, and initiatives by the primary actors in the first two phases are considered: Lennon, Ono, and to a lesser extent the institutions they were collaborating with. The first chapter analyzes how the historical context of the song, the early promotion and the position of “Imagine” within Lennon’s and Ono’s oeuvres has influenced the construction of the cultural connotations of “Imagine”. The second chapter goes on to see how Lennon’s death in 1980 and Lennon’s remembrance by Ono, impacted the status of the song. Finally, the thesis also considers the more recent authorized applications of the song, both in collaboration with non-profit and non-governmental organizations, and through Ono’s solo projects.